West Cumbrian performers this week came together to share their experiences of performing the same show 20 years apart.
Workington Amateur Operatic Society is due to perform West Side Story next month and invited performers from a 2005 production to join them at rehearsals.
Eight former cast members saw their successors in the new staging of the show and some who performed in 2005 are playing a part in the new version.
Natasha McKenzie, who was on stage in 2005, is directing this year, while brothers Ryan and Daniel O’Hagan return in new roles.
Daniel’s 2005 character is now played by their younger brother, Kieran.
Former leading man Graham Hawley, who played Tony, enjoyed seeing the mix of new and old faces.
He said: “It’s good to watch junior members developing their skills and confidence as they join the senior shows, and to see members of the same families performing together.
“It gives a real sense of history and emphasises the positive influence the society has on its members and supporters.”
Graham’s own son also joins the cast in 2025.
West Side Story is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Set in New York’s Manhattan in the 1950s, the tragic love story includes well-known music from Leonard Bernstein with songs that include Maria, America and I Feel Pretty. It was most recently seen on the big screen directed by Steven Spielberg.
West Side Story runs at the Carnegie Theatre, Workington for four nights from October 15 to October 18.
Tickets are available from the Carnegie Theatre box office either online or by phone on 01900 602122.
